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Source: VP Mohadi on war shrines . . . Govt steps up restoration of liberation war sites – herald

Zimpapers Writer

FROM Chimoio in Mozambique to Nampundwe in Zambia, liberation war shrines that bear testimony to Zimbabwe’s arduous journey to independence are undergoing extensive rehabilitation and upgrading to reflect the enormity of their sacrifice.

The development comes as the country prepares for the 46th Heroes Day commemorations on Monday next week.

In written responses, Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi said considerable progress had been made in restoring key liberation war sites across the region.

The VP said the Second Republic had prioritised the preservation of liberation heritage sites as part of a broader effort to protect and promote the country’s history.

“Following my regional visits to countries such as Zambia and Mozambique last year to assess the state of our liberation struggle shrines, I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made towards the rehabilitation and improvement of these sites,” he said.

“Through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the Government has stepped up the rehabilitation, upgrading, and preservation works at these historical sites.

“This ongoing process ensures that the sacred resting places of our heroes and heroines properly reflect their immense sacrifices and are preserved as enduring monuments of our shared regional history.”

VP Mohadi said extensive work had already been completed at a number of liberation war sites in Zambia and Mozambique, countries that provided sanctuary to Zimbabwean freedom fighters during the liberation struggle.

“Tremendous work has been done in Zambia, at Freedom Camp, Nampundwe, Mkushi, Kavalamanja and St Mary’s Cemetery.

“In Mozambique, work has been done at Changara 1 and 2, Chibavava, Espungabeira and Chimoio among other shrines.”

Government’s intervention has gone beyond preserving historical sites to also bring amenities to communities around these sites, in appreciation that they were negatively impacted by the war “for hosting us.”

The programme reflects Government’s commitment to ensuring that no liberation war hero or heroine is forgotten, regardless of where they were buried.

VP Mohadi added that attention would also be extended to liberation heritage sites in Angola, another country that played a significant role in supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

“Sites in Angola, such as Boma, will be attended to. As we move forward, we shall continue working closely with our sister Republics in the region to safeguard these invaluable liberation heritage sites for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.

The rehabilitation of liberation war shrines forms part of ongoing efforts by the Second Republic to preserve the country’s liberation legacy and ensure younger generations understand the sacrifices made to secure independence.

The shrines are regarded as important historical landmarks that chronicle the country’s liberation struggle and the solidarity shown by neighbouring countries that hosted freedom fighters and refugee camps during the war.

VP Mohadi added that Government remains committed to ensuring that all those who contributed to the liberation struggle receive appropriate recognition.

He noted that the liberation struggle was won through the collective efforts of combatants, war collaborators, political mobilisers, traditional leaders, spirit mediums and ordinary citizens who supported the struggle in various ways.

Through the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Government is conducting nationwide verification and mop-up vetting exercises targeting war collaborators and non-combatant cadres to ensure deserving individuals are recognised under the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act.

“As we go into the Heroes and Defence Forces Day celebrations, Independence medals will be issued to our veterans of the liberation struggle,” said VP Mohadi.

He said this year’s commemorations, running under the theme, “Lest We Forget”, provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes and heroines while recommitting themselves to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.

“The greatest tribute we can pay them is not only to remember their sacrifice, but also to build the peaceful, united, prosperous, and sovereign nation for which they fought.”

VP Mohadi said preserving liberation heritage sites and recognising all liberation struggle participants remained central to ensuring Zimbabwe’s history is protected and passed on to future generations.

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Source: Aviation sector lauds 2nd Republic – herald

Rutendo Nyeve rutendo.nyeve@sundaynews.co.zw

THE aviation industry in Zimbabwe has commended the Second Republic for its role in growing the economy, expanding the middle class, and developing world-class airport infrastructure, which has significantly boosted demand for aviation services.

Fastjet Zimbabwe board chairman, Mr Farai Mutamangira, expressed this while speaking at a recent event in Victoria Falls to celebrate the introduction of a new Airbus A320 aircraft into the airline’s fleet.

He praised the Government’s efforts in growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to approximately US$60 billion, up from around US$20 billion eight years ago.

The massive economic expansion, he said, has been pivotal in creating a robust middle class that is driving demand for air travel.

“The aviation market in Zimbabwe has grown and continues to grow,” said Mr Mutamangira.

“We have massively supported the country and the economy by keeping the domestic network connected, as well as the regional network. We acknowledge the amazing work that has been done by the Government in growing the economy from around US$20 billion eight years ago to now at least US$60 billion.

“In the process of growing the economy, the Government has delivered a fairly robust middle class. That middle class is at the centre of the consumptive demand for aviation services. We cannot grow as an airline if the economy where we are based is also not growing.”

The Fastjet chairman further highlighted the contribution of the Zimbabwean diaspora, estimated at five million, with three million in South Africa and two million across the globe.

This community, he said, represents a significant and consistent source of demand for air travel back home.

“In addition to the middle class, we have a large diaspora community. We estimate our diaspora community is five million, of which three million are in South Africa and two million across the globe,” said Mr Mutamangira.

“Assuming each one would need to visit their home country at least once every two years, this combined with the growth in the middle class provides huge demand for our services. If you add on to that the two million-plus tourists arriving in this country annually, then we have a well-defined market ready to serve.”

He also noted the approximately two million tourists arriving in the country annually as another key driver of demand.

Mr Mutamangira further highlighted the significant revamp of airport infrastructure across the country as a key enabler for the industry’s growth, describing most of them as now world-class assets.

The remarks come as the aviation sector enjoys a strong resurgence, driven by Government investment.

The completion of the US$153 million upgrade of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has expanded capacity to about six million passengers per year and positioned Zimbabwe as a potential regional aviation hub.

While lauding the Government’s Open Skies Policy for fostering competition, Mr Mutamangira called for its implementation to be balanced to protect local carriers, particularly on the Harare-Johannesburg route where four South African airlines currently operate.

“Now, one key area I must mention is the policy relating to the Open Skies Policy. The Open Skies Policy is good, but there are elements we need to address.

“We want to emphasise that the policy must embrace the values of reciprocity and balance, particularly on a bilateral basis. Specifically regarding the Harare-Johannesburg sector, we must ensure local carriers are not crowded out.

“As we speak, we have four South African airlines flying into Harare: Yosemite, South Air, Perelink, and South African Airways. This is a disproportionate balance.

“We make this point because local operators need breathing space in that sector to continuously provide our domestic services,” he said.

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Source: Calls to end gender-based violence grow louder – herald

Bongani Ndlovu bongani.ndlovu@chronicle.co.zw

THE recent tragic deaths of United Kingdom-based Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (nee Khumalo) and her two daughters, who were buried in Bulawayo on Tuesday, have renewed calls for stronger action against gender-based violence (GBV) and serve as a grim reminder of its devastating impact, which must strengthen Zimbabwe’s resolve to end violence against women and girls, Government has said.

Nothabo (42) and her daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), were laid to rest side by side at Old Luveve Cemetery in Bulawayo, where hundreds of mourners gathered to bid an emotional farewell to the trio whose deaths in the United Kingdom last month shocked Zimbabweans at home and abroad.

The three were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on July 6. A post-mortem examination confirmed they died from blunt force trauma.

Their bodies were repatriated from the United Kingdom before an emotional funeral attended by hundreds of mourners, Government officials, family members and friends. Thousands more followed the service through a live stream.

In a condolence message issued yesterday, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development mourned the loss of lives, saying the tragedy and similar incidents being recorded in homes should prompt introspection and galvanise renewed commitment to ending violence and preventing further loss of life.

“The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Sen. Monica Mutsvangwa, Deputy Ministers Honourable Dr Jennifer N. Mhlanga and

Honourable Kiven Mutimbanyoka, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mavis Sibanda, Chief Directors, Directors and the entire staff of the Ministry join the nation, as well as the Khumalo and Tshuma families, in mourning the tragic loss of Nothabo Khumalo and her daughters, Natalie and Nala,” said the ministry.

It described the tragedy as a profound loss not only to the bereaved families but also to the people of Zimbabwe.

“As a ministry mandated to promote gender equality, safeguard the rights and welfare of women and girls, and lead national efforts to eradicate gender-based violence, we are deeply disturbed by this incident.”

The ministry said it unequivocally and strongly condemns all forms of gender-based violence.

“Should investigations establish that this tragedy resulted from gender-based violence, it would represent yet another painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women and girls and the urgent need for society to reject such acts without exception.

“Gender-based violence has no place in our homes, communities or society. It is a gross violation of human rights and undermines the values of peace, dignity, equality and respect that Zimbabwe upholds.”

The ministry said the tragedy comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate its commitment to ending gender-based violence through the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices, signed by President Mnangagwa.

It said the Compact reflects Government’s commitment at the highest political level to prevent and respond to GBV, strengthen accountability and accelerate coordinated action to ensure women and girls live free from violence.

“The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for sustained collective action to uphold the commitments of the High-Level Political Compact and foster a national culture of zero tolerance for GBV.

“The ministry calls upon all Zimbabweans to reject violence in all its forms and to resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue, mutual respect and lawful means,” it said.

In a solemn address to mourners on Tuesday, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube described the rise in gender-based violence (GBV) in Bulawayo and the wider Matabeleland region as a worrying trend, questioning what has gone wrong in society.

“Marriage must be a small heaven on earth, but our homes have now turned into hell, and we are not sure what is happening. What has gone wrong and what have we been doing wrong as a people?” said Minister Ncube.

She said the statistics on GBV in Bulawayo and Matabeleland were a cause for concern.

“The statistics that we have on gender-based violence in Bulawayo are as if we have taken the cup, and in the Matabeleland region it is as if we are second. What has gone wrong and what have we been doing wrong as a people?” she said.

Ncube said recent cases of violence against women and children showed the need for communities to unite in fighting the scourge.

She also expressed concern over domestic violence cases, citing the recent killing of a woman in Nkulumane.

“Let us create home care programmes to stop this scourge. I call upon the city and the province to come together and pray to chase away the spirit of murder that is in this city,” said Minister Ncube.

Addressing the Tshuma family, she called for unity between the Tshuma, Khumalo and Magonya families as they deal with the tragedy.

“To the Tshuma family, you gave birth to flesh, but not to the soul. Come closer to the Khumalo and Magonya families. There is no household where there is a person who disappoints their parents.

“I call on the families to unite and stand together as people of Bulawayo and as people of Zimbabwe,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nothabo’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, remains in custody in South Africa awaiting the outcome of extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom, where prosecutors have authorised three murder charges against him.

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Source: Zimbabwe, South Africa discuss third Beitbridge bridge at Victoria Falls transport talks -Newsday Zimbabwe

VICTORIA FALLS, Aug. 5 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe and South Africa are holding high-level transport talks in Victoria Falls this week, with plans for a third bridge at the Beitbridge Border Post topping the agenda as the two countries seek to improve regional trade and cross-border movement.

Senior officials are reviewing the Bilateral Road Transport Agreement, Bilateral Air Services Agreement and several memoranda of understanding covering road, rail, aviation and border management cooperation.

The meeting follows a senior officials’ session held in Pretoria in May ahead of the fourth Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission, where expansion of the Beitbridge crossing was among the key issues discussed.

Beitbridge, Africa’s busiest land border post, handles about 1,000 commercial trucks a day on the North-South Corridor linking South Africa with Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved plans for a third bridge across the Limpopo River to increase capacity alongside the Alfred Beit Bridge, commissioned in 1929, and the New Limpopo Bridge, opened in 1995.

The talks also come as Zimbabwe accelerates major road infrastructure projects. The Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway is more than 95% complete, while rehabilitation continues on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls and Harare-Chirundu highways.

Officials from both countries say the negotiations are aimed at modernising transport infrastructure, reducing border delays and improving the flow of trade along the North-South Corridor, a key regional logistics route.

Funding arrangements and implementation timelines for the proposed third bridge are expected to be announced once feasibility studies and technical negotiations are completed.

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Source: Environmentalists exhort Mnangagwa to save Christmas Pass –Newsday Zimbabwe

MUTARE, Aug.5 (NewsDay Live)-Envionmental pressure groups are piling pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to urgently intervene and stop the destruction of Mutare’s scenic Christmas Pass by miners.

 The iconic Christmas Pass is one of Zimbabwe’s most treasured natural landmarks renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity and strategic ecological importance.

The latest appeal came on Tuesday when the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) submitted a petition to the Office of the President and Cabinet calling for immediate presidential intervention to halt what it says are environmentally destructive mining activities threatening the future of the natural heritage site.

CNRG spokesperson Donald Nyarota said the petition adds to increasing public concern over the continued degradation of Christmas Pass, with residents, civil society organisations and environmental defenders warning that unchecked mining activities could cause irreversible environmental damage to the escarpment.

Situated on the outskirts of Mutare, Christmas Pass is celebrated for its spectacular mountain scenery, unique ecosystem and tourism appeal, making it one of Zimbabwe’s best-known natural heritage sites.

“In our petition, we are calling on the government to uphold Section 73 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and places an obligation on the State to protect the environment for present and future generations,” said Nyarota.

The organisation also urged authorities to fully enforce environmental laws, investigate the legality of mining operations taking place at Christmas Pass and safeguard both local communities and the country’s natural heritage from further destruction.

“Among the immediate measures we are proposing the suspension of all mining activities at Christmas Pass pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the environmental and legal compliance of the operations,” said Nyarota.

The CNRG further called for a comprehensive review of all mining licences, permits and Environmental Impact Assessment approvals issued for activities within the area.

“We are also seeking independent investigations into compliance with directives issued by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), we are arguing that environmental accountability must be strengthened to ensure operators adhere to the country’s environmental protection laws,” he added.

The CNRG is also calling on government to consider declaring Christmas Pass a protected environmental and heritage site, a move environmentalists believe would preserve its ecological significance while safeguarding its tourism value for future generations.

The submission comes at a time when public debate over balancing mineral exploitation with environmental conservation continues to intensify, with campaigners arguing that economic development should never come at the expense of irreplaceable natural ecosystems.

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